Star Weekly - Wyndham - 31st March 2021

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31 MARCH, 2021

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Keepers of history Today, the Royal Australian Air Force marks 100 years of service to Australia – a date especially important to the Point Cook RAAF base, which is known as the birthplace of the national force. Air Force curator David Gardner, a former air force technician now based at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook, has been working with flying machines including the Mirage, Sabre and Vampire, since 1976. “Being a technician working on those aircraft was very interesting, rewarding and it took me around the world,” he said. “I had worked on most of the aircraft in the museum when they were operational and I’ve worked on them since, looking after them in the museum and I’m quite proud of that fact.” Wing Commander Philip Beanland is head of the Air Force Heritage Squadron, which flies across the nation to showcase historic aircraft. He said piloting planes such as Kitty Hawks, Beauforts, Catalinas and Spitfires was a remarkable experience. “When you walk up to an aircraft, start it up, jump in, it is amazing to reconnect with what they’ve done in the past,” he said. Alesha Capone

David Gardner with Mathew Shelley, OIC at the RAAF Museum. (Damjan Janevski) 229618_02 ■ 100

years of airforce service: Page 12

Tributes for ‘beautiful girl’ By Michaela Meade Tributes are flowing for a “beautiful” 15-year-old Werribee girl who died following a crash in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday night. Makuini Rikiti was involved in an incident on Old Geelong Road, where an allegedly stolen Subaru Liberty rolled. She was taken to hospital and later died from her injuries. Friends and family have taken to social

media to remember Makuini, with many posting that the young girl will be “resting in paradise”. “I’m so sorry to hear of this news my sis … so young!! May she Rest In Peace,” one post read. Another wrote, “Rest in paradise beautiful girl. Sending you all our aroha and condolences our whanau, Kia kaha.” A tribute made for the 15-year-old stated: “My heart aches for you my darling kuini.” “Words can’t describe how sad I am, it feels

like I only saw you the other day, my heart melts for you darling. “It’s like we were all laughing together yesterday, when I heard the news everything around me felt like it all stopped. “I love you so much sweetheart till the day I see you again baby girl fly high princess [sic].” A 16-year-old Werribee boy has been charged with culpable driving causing death in relation to the incident. A 15-year-old Tarneit girl has been charged

with theft of a motor vehicle and theft. Both were remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date. A 17-year-old Point Cook boy was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date. Investigations are ongoing. Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.